Reformed Theological Seminary Washington, D. C. PT524 Communication Lab II Syllabus GENERAL INFORMATION Dates: February 6-May 15, 2019 Time: Wednesdays, 12:00-2:00pm Credit Hours: 2 Instructor: James Forsyth Contact Info: james@mcleanpres.org Office Hours: By appointment via email COURSE OVERVIEW Description: This course continues to develop the skills required for interpreting and communicating the Bible. Special emphasis is given to sermon composition, including its constituent parts, and sermon delivery, including the different ecclesial contexts of preaching (e.g., weddings, funerals). Objective: To get further practice in the composition and delivery of sermons/lessons, honing the students homiletical gifts for kingdom usefulness. Format: The majority of class hours will be spent listening to student sermons/lessons and reflecting on them together as a group. Schedule: Preaching/teaching dates will be assigned to students on the first day of class. Course Requirements: 1. Attendance and Participation (30%): Show up with a full heart, ready to make the most of the time we have together. You are expected to attend every class and complete a Preaching Evaluation Form (see below) for every sermon delivered by classmates. If you know you cannot make it to a class session, please notify me in advance. 2. Preached Sermons (50%): You will prepare and deliver two sermons, one from an Old Testament narrative and one from a New Testament epistle. For each sermon, a full manuscript, not to exceed 3,000 words, and a homiletical outline, not to exceed 250 words, 1
must be submitted one week before you preach, with the word count listed on the last page. You may not take your manuscript into the pulpit, only your outline. 3. Written Homilies (20%): You will prepare two homilies, one for a wedding and one for a funeral. For each homily, a full manuscript, not to exceed 1,000 words, must be submitted. Both homilies must be submitted by March 27, 2019, with the word count listed on the last page. RTS Grading Scale: The seminary uses the following grading system: A (97-100) 4.00 quality points A- (94-96) 3.66 B+ (91-93) 3.33 B (88-90) 3.00 B- (86-87) 2.66 C+ (83-85) 2.33 C (80-82) 2.00 C- (78-79) 1.66 D+ (75-77) 1.33 D (72-74) 1.00 D- (70-71) 0.66 F (below 70) 0.00 I (incomplete) 0.00 W, WP (withdraw, 0.00 withdraw passing) S (satisfactory) 0.00 Note: assignments will be graded throughout the course of the semester but students will not receive any grades until the semester is complete. 2
Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes Course: PT524 Communication Lab II Professor: James Forsyth Campus: Washington, DC MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes. *As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this Articulation (oral & written) Scripture Reformed Theology Sanctification Desire for Worldview Winsomely Reformed Preach Worship Shepherd Church & World syllabus. Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.) Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards. Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student s sanctification. Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God. Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-christians; and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.) Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm. Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service. Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and encouraging a concern for non-christians, both in America and worldwide. Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues. Rubric Minimal None Minimal Minimal Mini-Justification Students must preach, the very definition of understanding and articulation. Students must understand the original meaning of Scripture and be able to apply that message to their audience today. Students must develop ability to communicate the deep riches of the Reformed faith with winsome humility. Students will immerse themselves in God s Word, both in sermon preparation and in listening to sermons of classmates. Students will reflect on how to apply God s Word to all of life. Students will be graded on their ability to communicate God s Word with winsome humility. This is the primary purpose of this course. Theology always leads to doxology but the focus will be narrowly on the preaching component of corporate worship. Students will learn the importance of shepherding from the pulpit. Students will engage with one another, across denominational lines. 3
PREACHING EVALUATION FORM 1 Speaker: Evaluator: Date: Sermon Title: Start/End Time: Sermon Text: Introduction Did they read the Scripture clearly? A B C D F Did the introduction grab my attention? A B C D F The Preaching Point ( The Big Idea ) Did they make one point very clear? A B C D F Did that point come from the text? A B C D F The Content of the Message List the major points of the outline: How well did they explain the points? A B C D F How well did they point me back to the text? A B C D F Did the exegesis aid rather than impress? A B C D F Were the transitions smooth? A B C D F Illustrations List the illustrations used: Did the illustrations bring clarity? A B C D F Did the illustrations connect head and heart? A B C D F 1 This form is adapted from Preaching that Changes Lives by Fabarez; The Homiletics Analysis Sheet by Chapell; and The Sermon Feedback Form in Saving Eutychus by Millar & Campbell. 4
Application How well did they apply the points? A B C D F What was the most life-changing aspects of the message? Conclusion How well did they summarize the message? A B C D F How clearly did they restate the main point? A B C D F Was there a definite, purposed, pointed end? A B C D F Delivery Did they preach with conviction? A B C D F Was delivery congruent with the message? A B C D F Did they feel/sound natural and conversational? A B C D F Did they have thorough, well-balanced eye contact? A B C D F Were they warm and disarming? A B C D F Voice Quality How was the volume of their voice? A B C D F How well did they articulate their words? A B C D F Was there variation in pitch or pace? A B C D F Audience Response Was the sermon boring? A B C D F How well did they relate to the audience? A B C D F How well did they hold the audience s attention? A B C D F Final Comments Summarize the sermon in one sentence. Was Jesus Christ central to the ideas and application of this sermon? How so? How might this sermon be improved? Overall Grade: A B C D F 5